Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed Fourier pixels capable of simultaneously functioning as both light sensors and emitters. Unlike standard pixels that only manage light intensity, these new structures manipulate amplitude, phase, and polarization.
The pixels feature a surface covered with a precisely engineered wavy microstructure. This design allows for full control over light across the entire surface area. The technology relies on mathematical principles that decompose surface patterns into spatial harmonics.
The team successfully tested the ability to convert scattered light waves into directional ones using an optical template. This allows the pixels to represent images or data by managing complex light parameters, offering potential applications in holographic displays, augmented reality, and adaptive optics.
While the concept is promising, current implementation is limited to small experimental arrays. The research was detailed in a paper titled 'Fourier pixels for two-way light control,' published in the journal Nature on June 24, 2026.
